Rabat – Morocco’s business leaders’ conglomerate, CGEM, has announced the “necessity of a new social contract for a more economically prosperous and socio-politically inclusive Morocco.”
On the heels of organizing several symposiums on the challenges and opportunities of Morocco’s 2020 vision, CGEM announced a conference and “ideas workshop” to discuss the nation’s new social contract on April 26.
The workshop is expected to witness the widespread participation of important stakeholders, such as the High Commission of Planning (HCP), civil society, diplomatic delegations, leading business foundations, and government officials.
Prior to the April 26 event, CGEM has reaffirmed its unparalleled involvement in the transformation and modernization of the country’s socio-economic landscape.
The CGEM press announcement, released on Tuesday, emphasized the urgency and “necessity to rethink Morocco’s social contract” through generating and managing resources in order to achieve King Mohammed VI’s vision of a more accountable and effective civil service. Furthermore, the contract aims to promote a more inclusive and productive society.
Loyal to the King’s vision of accountability and good governance, “the new social contract will involve all relevant authorities in devising a system oriented towards a constructive and responsible social project,” the news release indicated.
As for the challenges ahead, CGEM cited the need for more integration between the education system and job market requirements, a new vision of entrepreneurship (moving away from traditional business), and an inclusive social protection system, as well as a fair and fulfilling retirement policy.
According to the document, the most critical social challenge will be the promotion of institutions that guarantee a social model where citizens will be not be judged on their values and life choices. This, CGEM elaborated, “necessarily includes the regulating: the job market and social protection… education, professional training, as well as family networks.”
Other proposals included initiating new employer-employee relations, involving civil society and social workers in government social policies, and a comprehensive restructuring program for country’s education system. “We cannot keep producing graduates that the job market does not need.” It added: “It is urgent to reestablish trust between the job market, government administration, and social partners to generate more jobs. Everyone is an integral part of this, and we shall perceive each other as partners, and not foes.”
The document concluded that the most critical aspect of the social contract, however, will consist of devising and promoting a society that accepts and celebrates Morocco’s ethnic and linguistic diversity. “We aspire to co-create a social model that welcomes our [diverse social] characters, ensuring a future in which everyone will feel involved.”
